Programs and Events
The Estes Park Museum hosts programs and events throughout the year. If you have any questions about tours or upcoming programs, please contact the Curator of Interpretation. Please check back regularly to see the latest from the Estes Park Museum.
While the Museum was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some online programs were recorded. Those programs can be accessed on the Museum's YouTube playlist. The views and opinions expressed in each program are specific to that individual, community member, and/or presenter.
Programs & Events
Upcoming Programs & Events
History of the Rooftop Rodeo - Saturday, July 12, 1:00 p.m. - Join the Estes Park Museum and Dr. Howell F. Wright, Col. USMC (Ret.) as he presents the history of the Rooftop Rodeo. Dr. Wright is nearing the completion of his upcoming book with a tentative title, The History of the Rooftop Rodeo. This program is free and open to the public and will take place in the Museum Meeting Room. Light refreshments will be provided.
History Hike - Thursday, July 17, 9:00 a.m. - Join the Estes Park Museum on a short history hike of the Historic Birch Ruins and Cabin. This tour will discuss the history of the site, including the fire that destroyed the bungalow and the growth and development of Estes Park. This program is free and open to the public and fun for the whole family! Good walking shoes, sun protection, and a water bottle are recommended. The tour will begin near the Enos Mills statue in Bond Park. No reservations are required. For information regarding paid parking, please visit: www.estes.org/parking. Free parking is available along MacGregor Avenue and at the parking structure near the Estes Park Visitor Center. In case of the inclement weather, the hike will be cancelled.
Historic Fall River Hydroplant 2025 Season Open Days:
June 13 & 27, 12 - 4 p.m.
July 11 & 25, 12 - 4 p.m.
August 8 & 22, 12 - 4 p.m.
Announcing Creative Colorado Tablesetting/Scaping Contest 2025
The Estes Park Museum Friends and Foundation, Inc. presents the 8th Annual Creative Colorado Tablesetting/Scaping Contest, a fundraising event planned by the Estes Park Museum Friends in support of Museum programs and Friends' projects.
This year’s Tablesetting/Scaping Contest theme:
"Celebrating Generations, Then & Now"
What? Creative Colorado Tablesetting/Scaping is an event which provides entrants a chance to demonstrate their talents by creating an attractive dining table that reflects this year’s theme. Each competitive entry is reviewed by an independent panel of judges, who determine prize ribbon winners based on creativity, design, and adherence to contest and category criteria. Once all the tables have been set, the judging has finished and the ribbons awarded, the doors will open to the public. The three blue ribbon winners in the competitive division will be voted upon by the attending public for the Julie Farnham Best of Show Award.
| We welcome non-competitive tables. What if you have interesting tablesetting piece(s) others would enjoy seeing? These tables will not be judged, but they will be on exhibit for the public to admire. These tables will be eligible for the People’s Choice Award. |
All proceeds go to support the work of the Estes Park Museum Friends & Foundation.
When? November 21, 22, and 23, 2025
-Friday, November 21st: 10 am to 3:30 pm – Set-Up time
-Saturday, November 22nd: 10 am to 5 pm – Tablesetting/Scaping Show open
-Sunday, November 23rd: 10 am to 4 pm – Tablesetting/Scaping Show open, 3 pm – Awards Ceremony 3:30 to 4:00 pm – Clean-Up
Where? The Ember at Estes Park Resort, 1700 Big Thompson Avenue, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
Who? The Tablesetting/Scaping Contest is open to individuals, pairs, teams, and commercial organizations/businesses of all kinds.
How? Each contestant is asked to select a menu and then design place settings for two that reflect the contest theme and the menu chosen. Contestants select a design category: (1) Formal, (2) Informal, (3) Tablescape/Freestyle or (4) Paper and Plastic.
Paper and Plastic is a new category this year!
Your setting can feature classic, vintage, contemporary, or a mixture of flatware and tableware. Competitive contestants receive Judges comments, and winners receive ribbons. The four blue ribbon contestants then compete in a Best in Show Contest.
How Much? Contest entry fees
Competitive Entry Fee: 2 settings, 29” X 72” table space - $30
Non-Competitive Entry Fees:
2 Settings, card table or small square table - $30
4 settings, rectangular table - $60
6 settings, rectangular or round table - $90
Registration opens Sunday, September 14, 2025 at the Tablesetting 101 event which will be held at 2:00 pm at the Estes Park Museum. Registration closes on Friday, November 14, 2025
Questions? Contact Peggy West
(303) 332-7528 | Pwest590@msn.com
Download 2025 General Information
Download 2025 Competitive Categories and Guidelines
Download 2025 Judging Rubrics and Scoring Forms
Download Winning Tables from Past CCT Events